A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Written by admin, Nov 30, 2010, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Laredo, TX – – The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) wants to invite the public to a special Day of Remembrance ceremony in honor of World Aids Day.
As we pause to reflect on the toll of HIV during this 22nd anniversary of World AIDS Day, we must not forget that our fight against this devastating disease is far from over. HIV remains a significant threat to the health and well-being of multiple communities in the United States. The most recent CDC data indicate that more than 1.1 million Americans live with HIV, and half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. are among young Americans under the age of 25. Even though there is better treatment there are several co-morbidities than have made HIV/AIDS even more serious.
This special event is to be held:
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
City of Laredo Health Department
2600 Cedar
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Several U.S. populations bear the greatest burden of HIV. The impact is most severe for gay and bisexual men, who account for approximately half of new infections and of those living with HIV. Some minority communities are also disproportionately affected by the disease, with African-Americans becoming infected at seven times the rate of whites, and Hispanics at three times the rate of whites.
On this World AIDS Day, we are all reminded that we must do more – as individuals, as communities and as a nation – to stop HIV/AIDS. We must relieve the burden of HIV in African-American and Hispanic communities by reaching them with effective prevention programs. We must confront the complex issues that keep gay and bisexual men at risk. We must arm our youth with the knowledge, skills and confidence to prevent HIV throughout their lives. Above all, we must not give up until this fight is won.
The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) offers three different types of HIV testing, evidence based intervention, early intervention services, housing opportunities for persons with AIDS, HIV care services, and HIV/AIDS bi-national coalition to strengthen HIV efforts between Texas and Mexico. Free, anonymous rapid testing is available at Health Department LETS Program on a walk-in basis; results are available within 30 minutes.
For more information about free safe, fast HIV testing, call 795-4905.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a “Holiday Remembrance Ornament”
to be placed on the Remembrance Tree.
